~*~Dudley goes to Hogwarts~*~
Chapter 14
Outing
It was a beautiful Saturday. The kind when you would be crazy to stay in (except if you're a Slytherin, that is [~sw~: no offence]). And it was early that morning when Harry, Ron and Hermione walked downstairs for what promises to be a very interesting day.
"I never thought that Dumbledore would come up with the idea. I mean, sure they've been around and stuff but I didn't think he'd go out of his way for them," Harry commented, as they walked slowly towards the Great Hall.
"It's not just that, Harry. You've got to notice that the tension around the school had tightened dangerously since the Dark Lord was reborn. I think it's a good idea to have an outing like this. At least the students wouldn't worry so much about the Dark Lord's rejuvenation. Besides, it'd be a good way for 'them' to mingle around with the muggles," Hermione said.
Both Harry and Ron nodded their head in agreement.
"Mingling around useless Mudbloods like yourself, Granger, isn't exactly what I would call a 'good' idea," drawled a bored voice behind them.
The three of them turned towards the voice.
"Nobody asked you to come along, Malfoy," Ron spat.
Malfoy glared at Ron darkly when he smirked.
"I rather rot in Azkaban than spend a day with you lot. By the way, Weasel, are you sure your family could spare a few Knuts for you to spend? Or did you asked Potter here for some?" Malfoy smirked and Ron nearly jumped onto Malfoy, if Harry and Hermione hadn't grabbed him on time.
Harry could see that Crabbe and Goyle were not far, ready to attack at Malfoy's slightest command.
"Forget about him, Ron. He's not worth it. C'mon, let's go," Harry said, as he too glared at Malfoy and his thugs.
After a few minutes of tugging Ron away from the laughing Malfoy and his gang, Ron managed to calm himself down.
"I swear, one of these days, he's so gonna get it from me," Ron said darkly and Harry glanced over at Hermione, who sighed.
They knew that Ron was looking forward to this trip. It was simply because he wanted to get his dad something nice for Christmas but that stupid git had to ruin it for them.
"Don't let him get to you, Ron. You know that they're going to have one lousy day today," Hermione said and Ron slowly nodded his head.
They then walked to the Great Hall silently after that.
The announcement for the Outing was made early this week. Nobody could believe that Dumbledore would go out of his way for The Dursleys, especially Harry. He didn't think that Dumbledore would think highly about them at all. Clearly, he was very much mistaken. But, as Hermione pointed out before, there might be some other reason for this trip.
~*Flashback*~
"Oi, Harry! Wake up! It's snowing outside!!" Harry vaguely heard Ron calling him from a distance. He groaned, as he pulled his comforter tightly around himself and curled up into a ball. All of a sudden, a pillow hit him at his face seemingly from nowhere. Harry bolted up and looked abound the room, although it was a complete blur, as he wasn't wearing his glasses.
"Okay, who did that?!" he yelled, as he reached for his glasses at the side table.
Everyone in the room laughed as they pointed at each other. Harry narrowed his eyes as he noticed Ron trying to look as angelic as possible but failing miserably.
"Ron! I knew all along it was you. I'm gonna kill you!" Harry said, holding the pillow, which was thrown at him, threateningly.
"I didn't do it, I swear! Damien did it," Ron protested taking his own pillow as protection while he pointed to Damien.
Harry turned over to face Damien, who was currently laughing loudly and fell on his bed, which was to the left of Harry's own bed.
"Damien! You should know better than sink to Ron's level. I thought you're more matured than he is," Harry smirked.
"Hey!" Ron cried from the other side of the room.
The rest of them laughed.
"I can't help it. I knew you'd blame Ron so that's why I threw it at you. Besides, I didn't think you'd wake up anytime soon," Damien smiled.
"Fine. Since you all need a leader to lead you down for breakfast, I shall accept the challenge and lead all of you down. I shall be back shortly for all of you in a few minutes," Harry said, mockingly proud.
"Yeah right. Anyone can do that. Even our little Neville can do it, can't you?" Dean said, as he flung his left arm over Neville arm.
Neville merely grinned. Harry flashed them one last smile before heading towards the boys' bathroom.
After a quick shower and all, Harry was well on his way for breakfast with all the whole Gryffindor seventh -year's Gryffindor boys behind him with Hermione tagging along. She wasn't too shock to see them since they'd been such good friends ever since they'd first entered Hogwarts. They finally reached the Great Hall after planting a little 'surprise' for any Slytherin that might just pass by.
"I can't believe you enchanted that armour to cry out 'Slytherins sucks' every time a Slytherin passes by," Hermione said, disapprovingly as they sat at their usual places.
Harry and Ron grinned.
"C'mon, Hermione. You have to admit, it is kinda funny!" Ron said, as he began to fill his plate with scramble eggs and toast.
Hermione groaned but Harry saw a slight smile playing on her lips. But before he could point that out to Ron, Dumbledore stood up and the hall quiet down.
"I have some good news to deliver to all of you this morning though some of you might not think so. As all of you are aware of, Hogwarts have played host to the Dursleys for quite some time but have yet to show our hospitality. After several meetings with some of the professor, we have agreed to host somewhat like a Muggle outing day, as you may call it," he said but had to stop as the students exchanged their thoughts about his announcement.
He held up his hand and silence fell once more.
"As I was saying, this event will take place this Saturday as there won't be any classes held on that day. Events such as an outing to Paris, France and a movie marathon will be held on that day. For further information, the Head of your respective house will speak to all of you tonight. Thank you for your attention," he ended and then sat down.
Harry turned back towards his friends.
"Well, this is new," he said.
"I know. I wonder what's in store for us," Hermione said as the rest of the other Gryffindors' started to voice out their opinions.
She managed to tune them all out and concentrated on finishing her meal.
~*~
Everyone waited anxiously as Professor McGonagall walked into the Gryffindor common room with a stack of papers in her hand. She then placed the stack of papers on top of a table and turned to face the rest of the Gryffindors. Harry, Ron and Hermione, who were sitting at their usual seat in front of the fireplace, looked at each other with the same puzzled looked on their faces. The common room fell into a deathhly like silence before the professor began to talk.
"Well, as all of you were informed this morning, there would be a Muggle Outing Day on Saturday this week," she said, getting straight to the point.
She then flicked her wand and the papers, which she was carrying earlier, flew towards the Gryffindors at random. Harry managed to grab one and the three of them looked at the paper. It was a list of events that was to be held on that day.
"As you can see on the paper you have just received, it will be a rather busy day. All of the activities are optional for the third year and above except the Movie bit. All the students would be attending that as they will all be sleeping in the Great Hall after the movie is over. As for the other events, it is completely up to you if you want to participate or not. All those who wants to, please give me your names and I will give you the permission slip, which you would have to ask your parents or guardian to sign. Third year and above only, please. The rest may return to your dorms," she continued.
"I think we should go," Hermione said, as soon as Professor McGonagall stopped talking.
"I think so too. I mean this would be a perfect chance to look for a gift for dad. You know how nuts he is about Muggles' contraptions. Besides, he needs all the laughs he can get. He's been overworked since You-Know-Who's rebirthborn," Ron said.
"I don't know. I don't think Snuffles will let me go," Harry sighed.
"Well, just signed up your name and then ask him tomorrow. If he says no, then we all won't go," Hermione said and Ron nodded his head.
Harry pondered on the choices he has and finally, he agreed.
"Great! I'll go sign our names," Hermione said, as she joined the line.
Not many people wanted to go at first but after seeing Dean, Hermione, Ginny, Seamus and Lavender lined up, they'd changed their mind and joined the queue too. A few minutes later, Hermione walked back towards them and handed Harry and Ron their permission slips.
"We have to hand these in by Thursday. Snuffles should reply by then," Hermione said, as she sat down at her previous spot.
Both Harry and Ron nodded their heads. Hermione then grabbed the paper from Harry and read through it.
"Hey, look at this. We're having lunch in Paris, France plus a few hours of sightseeing on our own. No wonder Lav signed up. And look, we're going to Disneyland in Florida after that. Boy, Dumbledore sure know how to pick places," Hermione pointed out.
"Yeah. And there'll be a 'snowball war' after we get back. It says, 'All four houses against each other.' This should be fun," Ron said.
"What movie are they showing 'Mione?" Harry asked the Head Girl.
"Romeo must die. Hey, I like that one. The last time I watched it was with my friends. It's great. A little bit of each," Hermione said.
"I saw that one too. I think it'll please everyone. Great choice of movie," Harry said, as he nodded his head.
"Well, let's go write to Snuffles. There's still time," Ron suggested and Harry nodded.
The three of them then left the common room soon after that.
~*End of Flashback~*
And that was that. Harry almost fell off his chair when he got a reply letter from his Godfather telling him it was okay for him to go the very next day. Beaming at his friends, he submitted his permission letter along with Ron and Hermione, who had gotten back theirs on the same day that Harry received his.
And now, they were waiting in the Great Hall for the Head of each house to give out the instructions. While waiting, Harry managed to glance around the Great Hall, where all students who can go, were suppose to wait. Most of the third year and above for Gryffindor was there, half of the Ravenclaw and Hufflepuff and, not surprisingly, none of the Slytherin was there.
'At least I don't have to see that slimy git's face until I get back,' Harry thought to himself.
Soon after that, the Head of Gryffindor, Ravenclaw and Hufflepuff came into the Great Hall along with a few other professors. Harry smiled when he saw Lupin and Dumbledore were among them.
"I am touched that at least some of you think this is the perfect opportunity for you to 'let loose'. Well, since all of you are capable of taking care of your own safety, we have agreed to let you wonder off on your own. Besides, I don't think anyone of you would want to be seen with anyone of us," Dumbledore said, his eyes twinkled brightly, as he said so.
A few of them laughed.
"You will have lunch when you see fit and go wherever you want to go. But I'm giving all of you fair warning. Be back at the portkey centre ten minutes before it's your turn to be ported to Disneyland. Any students who fail to do so will loose 20 points each from their house marks."
There was a nodding of heads throughout the crowd.
"If anyone of you gets lost or in need of aid from the Professors, just perform any basic spells with your wand. The professors will detect the usage of magic and the closest professor will be there instantly. But remember; do NOT let any muggle catch you performing the spell. You will be in a major problem if that does happen. Finally, I hope that you will enjoy yourselves and stay safe," Dumbledore said with a smile.
All the students present there cheered. Then the Head of each house asked them to get into groups of four so that they can be transported to Paris.
"Groups of four? We only have three people in our group," Ron said.
"Mind if I tag along?" said a familiar voice from behind them.
It was Lupin.
"Sure Professor. We'd be honoured," Hermione smiled at the Defence Against Dark Arts professor.
The four of them then lined up and waited their turn to be ported while having small talks.
"So, have you heard from Snuffles lately?" Lupin asked quietly.
"I wrote to him about this outing to ask his permission and all. He said it was okay but didn't elaborate on it. He didn't write much the other day. Probably have something up his sleeve," Harry said and Lupin nodded his head.
"I haven't been in contact with him in a few weeks now but I was surprise he'd let you go for this outing. You know, him being the overprotective 'father' and all," Lupin pointed out and Harry nodded his head.
"Yeah, I know what you mean. I nearly fell off my chair when I received the owl from him the very next day. I do think that Marauder hasve something up his sleeve," Harry said.
He then glanced over at Ron and Hermione, who were chatting softly beside him. Hermione looked up from their conversation and smiled at Harry. He returned the gesture.
"By the way, I heard that your quarters is near Mr. and Mrs. Dursley's room, right? How are they treating you?" Harry smiled mischievously at the professor.
Lupin paled slightly.
"I wish I didn't get the room next to theirs. Honestly, it's a nightmare! That Mrs. Dursley snooped around us professors as is we were a bunch of criminals. And the Mister… Oh God, Harry, I have no idea how you managed to live with those kind of people all your life. I've barely known them for two months and I can't stand them!" Lupin whispered to Harry, who laughed at his remarks.
"Now you know how I felt for the past 17 years," Harry said.
Their conversation was cut short when it was their turn to be transported.
"Remember, Potter. 10 minutes before it's your turn to be transported to Florida," said the Head of Gryffindor, as she passed the portkey and smiled knowingly.
Harry smiled and nodded his head. All four of them held onto the portkey and seconds later, Harry felt that all too familiar sensation of being transported.
After a while, the four of them landed well on their feet in what seems to be an old abandon warehouse. Surprisingly, Professor Snape was standing guard there, glaring at Harry worst than ever.
"Get out of the way, Potter. The others will be arriving in a few seconds!" he barked and Harry, Ron, Hermione and Professor Lupin walked out of the warehouse.
"You, Severus, had better watch your mouth around young Harry or you wish you'd never been born," Lupin whispered under his breath.
Snape just snorted at his remark. Harry, who didn't hear what Lupin had said to Snape, walked out of the warehouse along with Ron and Hermione only to find a familiar looking black dog sitting beside the door.
"Snuffles!" Harry cried, as he hugged the black dog. Lupin, who just walked out of the warehouse, smiled as he saw the sight of Harry and Snuffles.
"You were right, Harry. There was something up this particular Marauder's sleeves," Lupin said, patting the dog's head.
Snuffles barked a few times.
"Well, it's only eleven o'clock. What do you want to do now?" Hermione asked.
"Well, I hear the view up at the Eiffel Tower is fantastic. Should we try going there?" Lupin suggested, knowing very well that Hermione's been longing to go there.
She just didn't want to say anything about it. He was right since the Head Girl nodded eagerly. After a while, both Harry and Ron agreed reluctantly.
"Well then, Eiffel Tower it is. Come on, I think we better get us a taxi," Lupin said.
"Hey, when did Lupin change his robes? You too Ron," Harry asked, as he just noticed that Lupin and Ron weren't wearing the robe they came with.
Ron looked down at his clothes. He was wearing a pair of black jeans and a white t-shirt. Similar to Harry and Hermione, though Harry was wearing a dark green t-shirt and black jeans while Hermione was wearing a white t-shirt with a white jacket and a pair of white jeans. Lupin too was wearing a black t-shirt with a red shirt unbuttoned over it, unbutton and dark navy blue jeans.
"I guess they changed it when we were transported so both of you could blend in," Hermione said.
Snuffles, which were who was sitting beside Harry, barked at them. Harry smiled at him and petted his head. Lupin then called them over after he had found them an empty cab.
The ride to the Eiffel Tower was uneventful. Harry wanted so much to talk to his Godfather but he knew Sirius couldn't change form just yet so he had no choice but to wait until they find a safe spot for him to change. Until then, Harry had to keep down all the things he wanted to tell Sirius down.
Soon enough, they've arrived at their destination. After waiting in a long line, they finally managed to get to the top of the well-known tower. Hermione was busy taking pictures of all of them when something caught Harry's eye.
"Hey, what's Malfoy doing here? With Lucius too?" Harry asked out loud and all of them turned around. Sure enough, Draco was there, talking to his father quietly, ignoring the people around them. Harry walked nearer towards them and then stopped dead in his tracks.
Beside Draco, her hand in his was Jade.
~*~
A/N: Sorry it took so long folks. It's 2.05 a.m. and I'm supposed to be studying but I can't. Brain's jammed. Anyway, I don't know how you like this chapter. Sorry it's shorter than average. Totally pointless if you ask me. Well, except for the last part. Please Review anyway.
A/N 2: I haven't said my thanks in awhile so here goes:
Thanks to-
~ Flamer ~ I don't feel like logging in ~ f0xyness39 ~ harry_fan ~ tickle the dragon ~ Catherine ~ Soft Red Industries ~ Lady Foeseeker ~ Mya Avalon ~ **Vegeta Jr.** ~ Meeow ~ Belle ~ **Kit Cloudkicker** ~ DreamingReader~ Just another writer ~ liliaeth ~ fyre eye ~ edge ~ bodie ~ Phoenix Argent ~ *~*PRONGZ*~* ~ Lauren ~ Callie/Mikey ~ deep_fried_chicken_wings ~ Dawn Bridges ~ lil'dudette ~ arcee ~ Avaloniathewise ~ Midnight Lady ~
L.McGonagall ~ adj ~
**…** = love ya! Thanks for your great review!
Kimbra- you didn't review one chapter… I thought you bail out on me. I was so sad!! Anyway, nice seeing your name there on the next chapter…
Tabi- mean of me to forget about you. Another one of my reviewer that I adore. Thanks for your review gurl!
And finally …
Snowwolf- Wei, good luck for your SPM. I haven't seen you in awhile. I'll be around later on during the SPM week. Study hard, ya!
A/N 3: this story will soon be collaboration between snowwolf and me. After all, she did come up with the final scene. I swear, even I didn't think of that. This woman is a genius I tell ya. Well, I'm about to fall asleep so I'll see ya in a few weeks. Thanks to those who reviewed and those who haven't, please do. I'll be waiting!!!